Bolgheri DOC Superiore La Vitalità 2023 Ornellaia

What kind of wine it is

Ornellaia "La Vitalità" is a red wine from Bolgheri with full body and a velvety profile. It is born from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, coming together to craft a wine that is broad, enveloping and at the same time elegant. This is the edition that bears on the label an artwork by Marina Abramović, created as part of the Vendemmia d'Artista project.

Where it comes from

The grapes come from the Ornellaia estate, in Bolgheri, where ancient, complex soils meet a gentle microclimate that finds its reflection in the Mediterranean Sea. For the Vendemmia d'Artista project, Marina Abramović was invited to interpret the character of the vintage: she designed a limited-edition art label that sits alongside the classic label.

How it’s made

The harvest is by hand and the bunches pass over a double sorting table, before and after destemming, with optical selection as well, followed by gentle crushing. Each variety and each parcel is vinified separately. Alcoholic fermentation takes place partly in stainless-steel vats and partly in concrete vats, with an extended maceration for about three weeks in total in tank. Malolactic fermentation occurs mainly in oak barriques, partly new and partly second-fill, where the wine rests for about 18 months, with the blend assembled after the first twelve months. This is followed by 12 months of bottle aging before release.

Tasting notes

In appearance it is a deep ruby red, lively and brilliant. The nose is expressive and intense, with ripe black fruit where blueberry and blackberry stand out, accompanied by notes of toasted almonds and cocoa; as it evolves in the glass, hints of Mediterranean scrub emerge. On the palate the attack is broad and enveloping, with dense, concentrated yet velvety substance, animated by a vitality that lends energy and drive to the palate. The finish is very long, supported by silky tannins and a pleasant savoriness.

Pairings

The full structure and fine tannins call for substantial dishes: grilled red meats, braises and game, but also roast lamb and aged cheeses. The notes of cocoa and black fruit find a good balance with savory, slow-cooked preparations, where the wine’s savoriness accompanies the meat’s succulence.

When to serve it

It is a wine conceived for special occasions and for lunches or dinners at table with structured dishes. The limited-edition art label also makes it a valuable gift choice or for those who collect the Vendemmia d'Artista editions. A large-bowled glass and a few minutes of airing after opening help it express itself, and its structured character allows it to evolve over time in the bottle.